Sopanam Canada

Sopanam is  a coalition  of performing artists and  art connoisseurs settled in Toronto, Ontario  pursuing various classical dance forms of Kerala  such as  Kathakali , Mohiniyattam, chakiyar koothu , ottamthullal, Padakam. Through sacred steps (Sopanam) of Indian classical dance, we seek to promote research, develop and perform innovative dance productions.  Sopanam aims to spread awareness and appreciation of classical dance traditions in North America. Our mission is  to elevate  creative vision of artist  and perception of audience  to a blissful world of meditation through music and dance.

Artist profile:

PREETHA KANDANCHATHA

Preetha is a verstile artist, proficient in all South Indian classical art forms –  Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi and  Bharathnatyam . Preetha hails from the family of renowned Kathakali artist, Sri Naripatta Narayanan Namboodiri, her Guru and Uncle.  She is trained by eminent teachers like Sadanam Lakshmikutty and Kalamandalam Indira in the field of classical dance. She has achieved the “ Kala Thilakam”  award  from Palakkad District  for her performances in various art forms and received accolades from well known dancers in and around kerala. To promote classical dance, traditions and values of rich Indian culture, Preetha has established Nritha Kala Kendra – a dance academy in Toronto, empowering, mentoring and motivating students through the technique of dance.

ANUPAMA DINESHKUMAR

Born in Tripunithura, the cradle of temple arts , Anupama received kathakali training under the tutelage of renowned guru Sri FACT Padmanabhan , a disciple of Kalamandalam Karunaakaran ,Kudamaaloor Karunakaran Nair and Padmashree Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair.  After her Arangettam in 1990, Anupama became an active member  of Tripunithura kathakali kendram – ladies troupe, the only kathakali organization in Kerala where female artist perform kathakali .  Travelled extensively with the troupe as a performer She immigrated to Canada in 2003 and continues to perform in Canada & US.